The Emerald Underground

Normally this space is reserved for “Springfield’s Celtic house band” during the week of St. Patrick’s Day festivities, but the show at Celtic Mist’s monthly “Hooley” on Thursday is a special one for this Celtic-rock group. The band plays on but the members change and the present incarnation of The Emerald Underground is no more after this gig. So fans of the band take note and come send your condolences to old and congratulations to the new. Current members include Bill McKenzie (bass, vocals), Lori McKenzie (vocals, percussion), Jack White (keyboards, guitar, vocals), Hank Helton (guitars, vocals), Joe Kath (fiddle, vocals), Nat Radwine (drums, percussion) and Theresa O’Hare (flutes, whistles). The band as such released a swan song CD, An Emerald Moment, during the St. Pat’s rush in March. Originally, central Illinois’ only Celtic-rock group began as Stone Ring Circle several years ago then evolved into the present TEU and now once again, “Emerald Evolution” occurs.